I am with you always!

(J.C. Ryle, "The Gospel of Matthew" 1856)  LISTEN to audio!  Download Audio

"Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20

It is impossible to conceive words . . .
  more comforting,
  more strengthening,
  more cheering, and
  more sanctifying than these.

Though left alone, like orphan children in a cold, unkind world--the disciples were not to think they were deserted. Their Master would be ever "with them." Though commissioned to do a work as hard as that of Moses when sent to Pharaoh, they were not to be discouraged. Their Master would certainly be "with them."

No words could be imagined more consolatory to believers in every age of the world. Let all true Christians lay hold on these words and keep them in mind.

Christ is "with us" always.

Christ is "with us," wherever we go.

He came to be "Emmanuel, God with us," when He first came into the world. He declares that He is ever "Emmanuel, God with us," when He comes to the end of His earthly ministry and is about to leave the world. He is . . .
  with us daily, to pardon and forgive;
  with us daily, to sanctify and strengthen;
  with us daily, to defend and keep;
  with us daily, to lead and to guide;
  with us in sorrow, and with us in joy;
  with us in sickness, and with us in health;
  with us in life, and with us in death;
  with us in time, and with us in eternity.

What stronger consolation could believers desire than this? Whatever happens, they are never completely friendless and alone. Christ is ever with them. They may look into the grave, and say with David, "though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for You are with me." They may look forward beyond the grave, and say with Paul, "we shall be with the Lord forever!"

We could ask nothing more. None have . . .
  such a King,
  such a Priest,
  such a constant Companion,
  and  such an unfailing Friend,
as the true servants of Christ.

He has said it, and He will stand to it, "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you!" Hebrews 13:5